As we approach Christmas, people begin searching for just the right gift. Sometimes that choice is an animal. Maybe it's because the kids have always wanted one and you're finally ready or maybe it's because time is running out and you're by the pet shop. Buying a living being should be totally thought out and the whole family should be in agreement. Around the first of the year, Craigslist and shelters will be full of animals who were presents and their owners didn't take time to think it through.

Pet shops make an extra effort to convince you that a pet is exactly what your family needs for Christmas. Of course they would say that, this is their busiest time of the year. They sell most of their puppies at Christmas followed closely by Valentine's Day. Don't buy into the ads that show a puppy with a big bow around its neck as the ultimate gift of love. Puppies in pet shops are almost always from puppy mills no matter what the shops claim. They use semantics to say they don't buy from puppy mills because they will use a broker so they are not buying directly from the mills. If they are not from puppy mills, then they are from backyard breeders, not the reputable loving breeders raising them in their homes as the pet shops would claim. Think of it this way, if you were a great breeder working to improve the breed, would you sell your puppies to a pet shop so they could be sold to anyone that had a high enough credit limit? No, you'd want to know who was buying your puppies and how they were going to care for them. Buying puppies at a pet shop is truly a gamble. They've had little veterinary care and you have no idea how they've been treated or what they've been fed. The real victims though are their parents who are still at the mill pumping out puppies to line the pockets of greedy uncaring people. The parents are kept in substandard conditions, often exposed to the elements, without veterinary care and used until they literally can't produce any more puppies. Some of the parents are missing eyes, ears, limbs and in some cases, can't even stand or walk but are kept because they produce beautiful puppies.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of puppy mill dogs? Do not buy anything from pet shops that sell puppies. Caring stores will open their doors to rescues and shelters so they can help those animals find homes. Pet Supplies Plus is a great local pet store that does not sell animals but does support local rescues. They carry a huge supply of food and have a very knowledgeable staff. Buying anything from stores like Uncle Bills just allows them to continue buying and selling their puppy mill puppies. Uncle Bills is one of those stores that plays the word games. They buy their puppies from brokers who in turn have bought the puppies from Amish puppy mills. They have even stooped so low as to run a website claiming you can "adopt" any of the pictured puppies or you can special order a mixed breed. Don't be confused by their choice of words, you are buying a puppy from a puppy mill. And don't think you are "rescuing" the puppies by buying them from the store either. All you are doing is giving them money and allowing them to buy another puppy to fill its place.

Petshop Puppies wants to educate the public and help shut down puppy mills. You can learn more about them online or by attending one of their rallies. They will be holding rallies both this weekend to educate shoppers about where that cute pet shop puppy comes from. Their rallies are all peaceful, legal and family friendly. They will be in various locations throughout the city and it's as easy as standing and holding a sign. Here's the schedule for this weekend:

Do not park near Uncle Bills or they can and will have your car towed. Dress warmly, signs are provided but you are welcome to take your own. Please spare a little time this weekend to help save the dogs left behind in the puppy mills.

As always, thanks for opting to adopt. If you would like to see your rescue group, shelter, event or adoptable pets featured here, send an email to indypetrescue@yahoo.com. To stay up to date on local rescue info, subscribe above.